Plans for Popeyes Chicken, Bakeries and Business Closures: West Metro Business Roundup

The following is a collection of business related articles that appeared on Patch sites in Edina, Eden Prairie, Fridley, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Lake Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Southwest Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and St. Michael for January 2013.

Click on the headline to read the full story.

New Business: Gigi’s Cupcakes to Open in Golden Valley

Owners Aaron and Jamie Clayborn are hoping to open at the end of February.

Boston Garden Closes for Good Jan. 31

After 30 years serving Mainstreet customers, Hopkins mainstay Boston Garden is closing its doors for good. In its place, three former owners of a Bloomington restaurant whose lease expired will be opening a pizzeria.

Popeyes Chicken Coming Soon to Richfield

The restaurant chain is currently renovating the former Richfield KFC building.

New Sparrow Cafe Opens on Ill-Fated Corner: Will it Fly?

Southwest Minneapolis got a new coffee shop in January, complete with maple-bacon doughnuts and a beautiful mural, but its last two predecessors failed. Patch tries to figure out: will it succeed?

Looking for a Job? Big Thrill Factory Is Hiring

Owners hope to fill 80 positions before opening March 1. The Big Thrill Factory, the new anticipated recreation center going into the former Kmart building in Minnetonka, is hiring.

Pandolfi Closes Up Shop at 50th & France

The Edina candy, gelato and gift shop shut its doors for good on Thursday, Jan. 17.

Supervalu Announces Layoffs After Sale of Some Assets: Business Roundup
After much negotiation, Supervalu has reached a definitive agreement to sell off some of its assets to AB Acquisition, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management L.P.-led investor consortium. The announcement was made Thursday.

New Maple Grove Businesses in 2013

A look at some of the new businesses that are reportedly opening in Maple Grove during 2013

Vitali's Bistro and Steel Toe Taproom: SLP Business Roundup
TKosher diners in the Twin Cities now have another option for eating out. Vitali’s Bistro is located on Minnetonka Boulevard at Highway 100 in St. Louis Park and is owned by Vitali Logman.

January brought a variety of business happenings in Plymouth.

General Mills to Change Fruit Roll-Up Labels Due to Lawsuit

The Center for Science in the Public Interest said in a statement that the Golden Valley-based company can no longer show strawberries on their fruit roll-up labels beginning in 2014.

Bennigan's Restaurant Could Fill Former Blockbuster Space

Richfield's Hub Shopping Center could be home to the restaurant chain in the near future.

Minneapolis Bakery Named Best in Nation

If you're not getting your bread .

Popeyes Will Move Into KFC Location
The Louisiana chicken fast-food restaurant confirmed they are coming to Eden Prairie 'in the future.'

Edina's Whole Foods Among Top Retail Projects of 2012

The Minnesota Shopping Center Association rated the Centennial Lakes grocery store as the best new construction of more than 25,000 square feet for design and aesthetics.

Goodbye Santorini and Forte Fitness Expands: SLP Business Roundup
The former Santorini's Bar and Grille, located in the northwest corner of I-394 and Highway 169, in Saint Louis Park was torn down Jan. 23.

Heidi's Market Closes its Doors in Albertville; Liquor Store Remains Open

Another Albertville business closed its doors in the struggle to stay alive during the year of construction on Interstate 94.

Private Developer Rate Southwest LRT Station Sites

The Southwest Corridor Development Scenarios Workshop collected private-sector input on how the Southwest LRT stations could best be developed.

Macy's Stores Combine; Nordstrom Store Comes to Ridgedale

While Macy's will consolidate it's two stores at Ridgedale Center, the mall will also gain a Nordstrom store.

What is Happening at the Former Maple Grove Library Site?

The property sold in November 2012 for $1.5 million.

WestHealth Opens Emergency Department in Plymouth

WestHealth, just off 494 and 55 in Plymouth, opened an 18,000 sq. ft. emergency department this week.

Simpli Soleil in Albertville to Close its Doors Saturday

The clothing boutique and tanning salon was not getting enough business to stay open.